1989 Toyota Tercel Hatchback EZ 1.5 from North America

Summary:

Great town car

Faults:

I have had this car almost a year to the day. I have only had to have a headlight, muffler, and a device that holds my springs and struts up on my car (I can't think of the name at the moment) replaced. I had to put an oxygen sensor in it also.

It had good acceleration, but it gets worse when there is more weight in the back of the car.

Seats are ripped.

General Comments:

It's a great car and I get great gas mileage, 25 in town and 30 on the highway.

It's a great car for small people, or someone who doesn't have a lot of money to pay for gas and repairs.

The paint job on it is good. Nothing on it is rusting. It has a few scratches, but for the most part it's great.

It gets me where I need to go with no problem.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 19th December, 2002

1989 Toyota Tercel DX Deluxe 1.5 liter from North America

Summary:

Very reliable, but not immune to repairs

Faults:

Exhaust manifold leak.

General Comments:

Very reliable regardless of the effects of a leaking exhaust manifold. Very economical and never missed a Canadian winter morning start. Recommend buying the 1994 to 1998 Toyota tercel models.

However on the other hand the exhaust manifold leak caused enough grief, resulting in time and money. Most second hand vehicles need repair, the Toyota tercel is the cheapest though in terms of repairs.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th May, 2002

1989 Toyota Tercel DX 1.5L from North America

Summary:

A good bargain if you know a thing or two about cars

Faults:

The engine has a tendency to not accelerate (ie: stall) if the car is not properly warmed up.

The automatic transmission has only 3 gears. This could be a much better car with 4, but I guess it has to do with cost.

Various other little mechanical problems typical of a 13-year old car that gets a lot of use.

General Comments:

Even though it is old and rusting, I can still drive it faster and harder than many new cars on the road. Naturally this has to do with the driver and not the car, proving that an old car can still run very well.

If you are a tall or large person, then I suggest either you don't carry passengers in the back or you get a bigger car.

The rate of acceleration surprised me the first time I drove the car hard. It was much better than I thought it would be.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th April, 2002

23rd Nov 2003, 20:49

I think all you said was true. This Car is slow, but I've been up to 90 mph on it!!

29th Dec 2010, 07:55

I have one that belong to my father it is STD. 5 gears. It runs better and has a lot more power than many other 1.5 lt. I know. It drives great and is great on gas mileage. I suggest anybody who needs a good car on a low budget to get one. P.S. does leak oil, and no matter how many times I get a new gasket, it ends up leaking again, but other than that, it is a great car for the money.

29th Dec 2010, 18:17

"It runs better and has a lot more power than many other 1.5"

It has 78 HP. My snowmobile has 123 HP. Hardly a lot of power out of your car.

1989 Toyota Tercel 1.6 litre from North America

Summary:

Great when new, not so hot with age

Faults:

Alternator twice.

Water pump.

Oil pump.

Brakes 6 times.

Burns a lot of oil.

Radiator overflow runs dry.

Thermostat went, runs hot.

Replaced the exhaust 3 times.

Solenoid switch went.

General Comments:

I like my car. I know it's old and things are bound to go wrong, but I've had enough.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd September, 2000

28th Nov 2000, 00:56

Dear friend, I have a Tercel 1990 - I have installed a new engine with 35k, runs perfect. But here is my problem: when cold it starts OK but after 20 seconds it dies. Start it again, OK till it warms up to normal then goes OK. But if driven when cold it feels like a lack of gasoline till the engine gets to a normal temperature.

Question = I check for normal vacuum - could be the gasoline line - I can see gas in the filter. Please help, Mario.

E-mail mmerino@airmail.net

18th Jan 2002, 05:55

I have a 89 Toyota Tercel.

Stock motor. It burns oil first thing in the morning, but after a few minutes it stops. Lots of miles on it, but still runs half ass good.

Valhalla786@hotmail.com